NURSING leaders have written to new First Minister Vaughan Gething demanding urgent action to protect patients and secure the future of nursing in Wales.

The Royal College of Nursing’s letter has called for immediate action in three key areas to deliver on promises in the Welsh government’s 2023-24 pay offer and prioritise patient safety by ensuring there are enough nursing staff. 

The nursing union also says his government must strategically invest in nurses’ education at all career stages to meet future healthcare demands.

RCN Wales director Helen Whyley said: “Now is the time for the First Minister to refresh his public commitment to safe and effective care. That would go a long way towards assuring nursing staff that his government will address the extreme pressures they are under.

“What’s critical is that the FM keeps nurses nursing in the NHS. That’s why he must make sure the Welsh government keeps every promise it made to our members last year to end industrial action. 

“Those important promises could make a real difference to nurses and their patients. That’s why our members accepted them in good faith. But half a year later, they have yet to feel a difference.”

A Welsh government spokesperson said: “We remain committed to providing the NHS with the workforce it needs and the NHS workforce is at record levels.

“We have continued to work in social partnership with all health trade unions and NHS Wales Employers to deliver the non-pay elements as agreed as part of the 2023-24 pay offer.”